FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 08, 2024

Congressman Kennedy honored for his groundbreaking mental health advocacy and lifelong commitment to public service

WASHINGTON, DC— Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, presented the inaugural Edward M. Kennedy Service to America Award to Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy in recognition of his exceptional contributions to mental health advocacy and public service. The award, named in honor of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, celebrates those who embody the ideals of service and dedication to improving the lives of others. The award was given at The Kennedy Forum’s Alignment for Progress.

“Senator Kennedy believed that service was the pathway to a better tomorrow,” said Michael Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy’s tireless commitment to mental health reform and addiction recovery while in Congress and his recognition of the power of service to support and empower those in recovery has made an indelible impact on millions of lives. His advocacy is a true reflection of the ideals this award represents.”

“I worked closely with Senator Ted Kennedy in the initial drafting of the National and Community Service Act in the late 1980s and through the next two decades to update the legislation, to create AmeriCorps and improve it through the Serve America Act in 2009,” said Shirley Sagawa, AmeriCorps Board Member. “His deep commitment to service led him to go above and beyond to secure bipartisan support for national service. It is fitting that his son, Congressman Patrick Kennedy, has been chosen to be the inaugural recipient of the AmeriCorps Kennedy Award. His leadership, particularly in the area of mental health, has left a lasting mark on millions of lives, perfectly embodying the spirit of service the award honors.”

Congressman Kennedy, the inaugural recipient, was recognized not only for his legislative achievements but also for his personal courage in using his own experiences to inspire others.

“My father and his brothers were taught at a young age that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected,’ noted Congressman Kennedy. “Public service is part of our family DNA, and I know my father would be honored to have this award given in his name. Likewise, I am honored to be the inaugural recipient. AmeriCorps is a vital part of our national service model, and I welcome the chance to partner with them to use their model to bring mental health as essential health to more people.”

As a leading voice in Congress, Patrick Kennedy championed the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, ensuring that mental health and addiction services are treated with the same importance as physical health care. His advocacy continues beyond his congressional career, with his ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction through The Kennedy Forum, an organization he co-founded to advance the cause of mental health equity in America.

AmeriCorps has also been on the frontlines to combat the mental health crisis. The Youth Mental Health Corps – a partnership between AmeriCorps, the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest which brings young people together to receive paid training and to provide mental health support to middle and high school students in their communities. The initial cohort of 500 AmeriCorps members will serve in schools and community health organizations over the next two years – reinforcing the strength of our service-to-career pipeline.

The Edward M. Kennedy Service to America Award honors public servants who have made significant contributions to society and embody Senator Kennedy’s vision that through service, individuals can uplift their communities and make lasting, positive change. Senator Edward M. Kennedy's legacy resonates powerfully within AmeriCorps, as a champion for the National and Community Service Trust Act, the legislative cornerstone for AmeriCorps' establishment.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.